KitchenAid Pro 600 Series

Designed with all-metal construction and a 6-quart capacity, this powerful stand mixer features a 575-watt motor for handling tough mixing jobs. It can effectively mix up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and produce up to 8 pounds of mashed potatoes. The mixer can also churn through double batches of bread dough with the included PowerKnead spiral dough hook, which replicates hand kneading with a forceful punching and rolling action.

The mixer’s 10-speed slide control ranges from a very fast whip to a very slow stir, while its Soft Start mixing function helps minimize ingredient splatter and flour puff with gentle acceleration to the selected speed after start-up. An electronic speed sensor helps maintain a consistent mixing speed, even when adding ingredients. For commercial-style motor protection, the mixer automatically shuts off when overload is detected.

The mixer includes a 6-quart-capacity stainless-steel mixing bowl with a contoured handle, as well as a professional wire whip, a burnished flat beater, a spiral dough hook, and a clear two-piece pouring shield. Its multipurpose attachment hub with a hinged hub cover flips open to allow for easy installation of attachments. The unit’s professional bowl-lift design raises the bowl into the mixing position, and its solid, truly seamless one-piece motor head design is easy to clean. The mixer features a premium satin-pearl custom finish that adds an elegant shimmer to any countertop. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures 14-3/5 by 16-1/2 by 11-2/7 inches and carries a one-year hassle-free replacement warranty.

• 1 turkey thigh , about 2 pounds, skinned and boned (or 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless thighs) cut into 1-inch chunks; arranged on sheet pan; frozen until semifirm, about 30 minutes
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup olives, chopped (i usually use chopped salad olives)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Working in 3 batches, place semifrozen turkey chunks in workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade; pulse until largest pieces are no bigger than 1/8-inch (see illustration 4), 12 to 14 one-second pulses.
2. Transfer ground meat to medium bowl.
3. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Form into 4 patties, then grill.
5. I have served this on regular burger buns with tomatoes and mayo, and on pita with tahini, tomatoes and lettuce.

A recent Japanese study found that dark chocolate rich in flavonoids can actually improve coronary blood flow. People who ate 550 milligrams of dark chocolate a day showed vast improvement of coronary blood flow after just two weeks compared to participants who ate white chocolate without flavonoids. Flavonoids are what gives chocolate it’s antioxidant power. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage to our cells by free radicals - formed by environmental pollution and normal cellular activity. These antioxidants are what helps keep plaques from forming in our arteries.

Good news for gourmet chocolate lovers!

Dark chocolate contains the most flavonoids because it is the less processed than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Flavonoids also give dark chocolate a stronger flavor. As a cocoa bean goes through fermentation, alkalizing and roasting (more processing), more flavonoids get lost.

Other chocolate research has shown dark chocolate and cocoa powder may raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels by up to 10%, while keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) levels at bay. Stearic acid, one of the fats in chocolate, can actually boost HDL levels according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. And although, one would expect bad cholesterol levels to rise because of the increased fat intake, this was not the case. This is more good news for chocoholics.

They say that laughter is the best medicine, chocolate in moderation may be a close second.

Click here for great Chocoholic Gift Baskets you can customize!

Here is a nice appetizer using smoked Alaskan salmon that will wow any party or gathering!

• 8 oz. Alaska Lox, Nova or Kippered Smoked Salmon
• Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe Below
• 12 slices cocktail-size rye or pumpernickel bread**
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tablespoons capers
• lemon slices
• fresh dill sprigs

Arrange smoked salmon, small bowl of Herbed Cream Cheese and bread on medium-sized serving platter. Garnish with red onion, capers, lemon slices and dill. Makes 6 servings

Herbed Cream Cheese:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice,
• dash of dill weed
• hot pepper sauce

Beat together until smooth 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon each lemon juice and dill weed, and 4-5 drops bottled hot pepper sauce.

**Six mini bagels, split, can be substituted.